In the mid 1990s, Drs. Gerald Reaven identified a constellation of clinical findings, known variously as the metabolic syndrome, syndrome X, insulin resistance s- drome or insulin resistance-related disorders, that are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Interest in this topic grew rapidly, culminating in the publication by this series of the book, Insulin Resistance and the Metabolic Syndrome X, edited by Drs. Reaven and Laws in 1999. Since the original publication of that now classic volume, the world's population has continued to become more obese and sedentary and the prevalence of disorders related to insulin resistance has continued to increase throughout the developed and developing world. Of great concern in the last decade is the extension of these deleterious lifestyle patterns to the pediatric population, leading to both obesity and the appearance of insulin resistance-related disorders in youth as well as adults. Today, about one in three children and adolescents in the United States is overweight or obese, and this prevalence approaches one in two among adolescents in certain minority groups. In addition, components of this cardiovascular risk constellation are now being recognized in young adults, adolescents, and even children. Youth are increasingly developing type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, polycystic ovarian syndrome, sleep apnea, orthopedic and psychiatric complications, as well as other complications of obesity and insulin resistance.

The prevalence of disorders related to insulin resistance has continued to increase throughout the developed and developing world. The world's population has continued to become more obese and sedentary. Of great concern in the last decade is the extension of these deleterious lifestyle patterns to the pediatric population, leading to both obesity and the appearance of insulin resistance-related disorders in youth as well as adults. Insulin Resistance: Childhood Precursors and Adult Disease presents topics related to insulin resistance and its consequences across the lifespan. In the first section of the book examining epidemiology, the contributors review controversies over the definition of metabolic syndrome in adults and children, current knowledge regarding the epidemiology of insulin resistance in the pediatric population and the contributions of the prenatal and early childhood environment to the development of insulin resistance. The Second part of the book explores pathophysiology, with reviews of the techniques used to study insulin resistance, as well as current knowledge of the molecular and physiologic mechanisms of insulin resistance, including the contributions of adipose tissue and biochemical mediators. This section concludes with discussion of the relationship between insulin resistance and cardiovascular, endothelial, liver and gonadal disorders. The final section of the book explores the impact of exercise and weight loss medications on insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is likely to be the most important public health concern in many parts of the world in coming decades. This volume provides up-to-date reviews of these areas, providing the reader with a current perspective on issues in insulin resistance as they affect patients across the lifespan. The hope for Insulin Resistance: Childhood Precursors and Adult Disease is that it will spur continued interest in the topic on the part of clinicians and researchers,perhaps promoting new points of view and creative approaches to a daunting challenge.

From the reviews:

"The editors have gathered world experts in this recently recognized problem in children as well as in the adult disease. Molecular mechanisms and disturbances in physiologic functioning are well covered and need appreciation by comprehensive therapists. Contributors to this book make this learning seem to be easy." (William H Wehrmacher, Comprehensive Therapy, December, 2008)

"Editors Philip Zeitler and Kristen Nadeau have assembled a comprehensive and insightful textbook on the timely topic of insulin resistance and the pediatric antecedents of insulin resistance that lead to adult diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. ? Many chapters include excellent tables and figures. ? overall, the book is worth the investment in time and money for those with either research or clinical interests in this area." (Lori Laffel, The New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 360 (20), May, 2009)

"This volume is part of the Series Contemporary Endocrinology. ? The book has 3 parts. ? Clearly written, it is recommended to pediatric endocrinologists and nutritionists." (Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews, Vol. 7 (4), June, 2010)

"Insulin Resistance: Childhood Precursors and Adult Disease, edited by Philip S. Zeitler and Kristen J. Nadeau, provides a timely and comprehensive overview of insulin resistance in children, and the clustering of associated metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors known as the metabolic syndrome. ? this book would be a useful resource for any primary care physician or pediatric subspecialist. ? a helpful resource for any physician seeking to expand his or her understanding of current concepts of insulin resistance and related co-morbid conditions in childhood." (Stavra A. Xanthakos, Practical Gastroenterology, April, 2009)